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Strangford Narrows, Strangford Harbour and Portaferry
Courtesy Flag
Flag, Red EnsignWaypoint
54° 18.226' N, 005° 29.492' W Approach waypointCharts
AC 2159 (detailed chart of narrows) 2156 Strangford LoughRules & Regulations
Hazards
Very strong tidal flows (up to 8knts), cross sets, uneven bottom raises rough seas, assorted rocks. Ebb against wind can produce dangerous seas up to 1 mile off. Once in watch out for the ferry, danger of being set down on it.Tidal Data Times & Range
Narrows: Ingoing stream starts HW Belfast -0330, outgoing stream starts HW Belfast +0230. 15 min slack period at turn of tide.This site is designed for slower, roaming broadband connections, like you would get at sea, so it needs JavaScript enabled to expand the text.
Click here to show the fully expanded versionGeneral Description
This article deals specifically with the tricky entrance to and exit from Strangford Lough, plus facilities available just within the entrance at Portaferry and Strangford. The interior of Strangford Lough and the cruising delights within are dealt with in another article to be found HERE (opens in a new tab) ... read more
Approach
Timing is everything when dealing with the entrance to Strangford Lough, and you will need a decent chart of the entrance showing the transits. Exit needs special care as with the ebb tide under you there will be a point of no return, where the mariner will have no option but to face possibly rough water, standing waves and overfalls. ... read more
Berthing, Mooring & Anchoring
There are two available stop off points as one transits the narrows which, as we have said, is best done at slack tide or early in the flood. Considerable care must be taken when turning into either of these when the tide is running or you run the risk of being swept past on the tide. ... read more
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